Minnesota Senator Tina Smith says the conflict in the Middle East is intensifying financial pressure on farmers, particularly through rising fuel and fertilizer costs. Smith says higher energy prices are directly impacting production expenses. “If fuel prices go up as they are right now because of Iran, that has a huge impact on producers. Natural gas is a huge part of the feedstock for producing fertilizer, so that is part of what drives up fertilizer cost.” She also pointed to supply chain disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz, which are complicating access to key inputs. “How do you import urea when the Strait of Hormuz is closed?” Smith added that instability in global markets could hurt long-term trade relationships. She warned inconsistent policy signals risk making the U.S. a less reliable partner, which could impact export demand for commodities like soybeans. Click to listen to Jamie Dickerman’s full interview with Senator Tina Smith.
